It is time for the maritime communities to unite, across the broad marine spectrum. Together the marine sector can advance. The setting-up of an Inter-Departmetnal Co-ordinating Group for the eight Departments is, at least, a start, but the voice of Maritime Ireland must be heard in response, from the leisure sector, shipping, fishing, angling, the environmental interests, all together to push for more attention to the marine sector.
There is an opportunity for creating thousands of jobs in rural, coastal communities if the marine industry was nurtured and promoted.
Afloat magazine wants you to join with it in compiling a national list of Ireland’s marine requirements, county by county. We intend to present our findings to the new Inter-Departmental Marine Coordinating Group. But we need your help.
What do coastal communities need from local elections? The need for investment is clear, but surely we also need the political will to change the agenda in government.
Let candidates for the local and European elections in your area (and for the by-elections in Dublin) know what marine measures are needed in your constituency by adding to our list.
We'd also like to hear from candidates about what marine measures they are setting out for their constituencies.
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